I have never had many dreams... except for one: to live in the United Kingdom. London is not among my favorite English cities, but as soon as you move away from the city center, you live in my dream. There is something magical about these places, something that makes me feel damn nostalgic. The Germans have a name for expressing this feeling: fernweh, that means "far-sore", "farsickness". So this is why visiting London is always a good idea. Of course, not everyone will enjoy London, cause unfortunatley you're not me (LOL) . However, the city has so much to offer that there is sure to be something for everyone. My boyfriend and I went to London for a long weekend (Thursday - Sunday) to see the concert of the music of Danny Elfman (from the films of Tim Burton) at the Royal Albert Hall theater.

Day one.

We arrived at "Victoria Station" around 7pm, so in reality the first day can easily be reduced to an evening. But would you like to spend a Thursday evening in one of London's most traditional pubs (The St. George's Tavern)? I do! Pie and beer. What else?

Fyi:

• Airline Wizz Air, direct flight from Naples to London- Gatwick.
• From the airport to Victoria station (which connects practically everything) we took the "Southern Railway" train.
• We chose to use our contactless credit card for transportation, you don't need anything else to travel by public transport in London. Whether it's a bus, train or metro, simply tap your card on the reader at the turnstile and the cost of the journey will be automatically deducted. The maximum amount you will spend per day is £7.00 (zone 1-2) or £8.20 (zone 1–4) ish after about 4 journeys.
• We preferred to book an Airbnb (a private room in an apartment) far from London city. And the choice was great! I felt less like a tourist, more like a Londoner, and then we had a view of the Thames --> private room.

Day two.

Even though I'm not a fan of romantic movies or comedies in general... 'Notting Hill' is a cult classic, and it reminds me of sweet moments with my mom, so... I couldn't help but head to the famous neighborhood from which the movie takes its name. The atmosphere here is so "lively" and "trendy", not to mention all the little shops and cafes that line the bohemian Portobello Road, where the crowded antiques and vintage fashion market is held. The morning passed quickly and the sun was strangely sunny!
Next stop 'Sherlock Holmes', or "Baker Street", the famous street where the famous literary detective Sherlock Holmes lived, at the fictional address 221B Baker Street. (Yes, I am a (huge) fan of detective movies/series). We made sure to spend the whole afternoon and evening in "Soho", where we did nothing but wander around the most characteristic neighborhood in London. "Soho" is a universe in continuous movement, original and cheeky. From "Oxford Street" to "Piccadilly Circus" to "Leicester Square" to "Chinatown" to "Neal's Yard" to "Covent Garden" to "Trafalgar Square". Cosmopolitan, non-conformist, cheerful, eclectic, trendy, "Soho" is a unique place in the world. Whether it's night or day, the atmosphere of "Soho" is definitely contagious. For dinner we chose Indian food (I love it)!

Day three.

Day three is 'concert' day!!! Yeeey. Obviously the concert was held in the evening (around 6pm), so we put on our backpacks in the morning and went off to visit the city. We arrived in "Camden Town" just after having a proper English breakfast. This is the most underground part of London, you can feel it right away, super crowded and chaotic, not my favorite, anyway. In the afternoon we spent our time walking in the "Rembrandt Garden" and then ending up in "Hyde Park". When it was time to go to the theater, I decided to take a detour to the "Natural History Museum": free entry and nice big bathrooms to change clothes (one suitable for the "Royal Albert Hall" LOL). The concert was amazing and I don't know how to describe it, 'cause an experience like this has to be lived to be 'understood'. We had the after party at Burger King (so classyyy).

Day four.

The last day is always the saddest, because it's the last, obviously... so it seemed like a must to go and say hello to the royal family... that is... a routine stop at "Buckingham Palace" and "Westminster". Photos of "Big Ben" and the "London Eye", and then we walked to "London Bridge". Lunch at "Borough Market" and then headed to the airport.
As I was on the plane, I thought about how much I can't wait to go back to England, maybe for a longer period of time, maybe to visit some more typical and not at all touristy English villages, maybe to...

Pasquale is lucky to have an aunt who lives partly in Umbria and partly in Tuscany, while I am lucky to have Pasquale as my boyfriend. Fair enough! So, a road trip, an intense week to explore some of the most characteristic places in these two regions. Thank you auntie!

Day one.

Leaving at night has a certain charm, even if we ignore the almost complete lack of traffic, the cool air that only the nights of August can offer, and the uninterrupted music on the radio, we should consider the quality of the conversations... ('baby we both know, that the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can’t say tomorrow day' sings Alex Turner). And so at 7:00 in the morning we were in Foligno, drinking a cappuccino of decidedly questionable taste, and a cream brioche. Once we reached Pasqs aunt's house and rested for a few hours (the weather is more spring-like than summer), we decided to head to Spello. The town is so cute, there are flowers everywhere. We wandered aimlessly for a couple of hours, enjoying the sunset. We ended our tour with a walk through the streets of Foligno. I must say, a beautiful town, full of ordinary people and few tourists. Worth mentioning: Palazzo Trinci – Cathedral of San Feliciano – Cosmic Magnet in Chiesa SS. Trinità in Annunziata – Museum of Printing. Typical dinner with cold cuts, cheeses and the famous 'torta al testo' (a stuffed focaccia). And late in the evening, the thrill of wearing a warm sweatshirt and watching a movie in the garden.

Day two.

How nice it is to be on vacation without setting an alarm? At an indecent time, we decided to stop being lazy and visit another place: Rasiglia. Before arriving, we took a break (not to rest, I swear) in Pale, to see Menotre waterfalls. Reaching a strategic point was an achievement, also thanks to a not very suitable outfit, but it was worth it! Just enough time to take some pictures and we resumed the journey to Rasiglia, also known as the 'small, very small, Venice of Umbria'. This village is hidden among the Umbrian woods and is really characteristic. All its streams make it magical. Thanks to the medieval atmosphere, I felt transported back in time. It takes very little time to visit villages like this, so you can take all the time you need to fully enjoy the experience that 'unchanged' places like Rasiglia offer.

Day three.

The agenda for this day was really tight. We decided to visit four different places to reach Narni as our final destination. So early in the morning we were in Montefalco. After parking the car, we started to explore the village, discovering a place full of history, tradition, and smell (of wine LOL). Lunch break tasting the typical products: pappardelle with wild boar sauce and strangozzi alla norcina, preceded by appetizers with the scent (yeah just the scent...) of truffle. After a good meal, we continued on to Spoleto. The town offers so much to see, from the cathedral to the Albornozian fortress, to the bridge of the towers (to mention something), but after wandering for an hour we decided to get back in the car to head to the Marmore waterfalls. We did not want to pay the entrance ticket to the waterfalls for two reasons: the price is ridiculously high / if you park in a good position you can have an excellent view for FREE! Last stop and final destination: Narni. Well, the name got me easy peasy, to be true. We walked for what seemed like hours along the Nara River to reach the Mole di Narni, a natural swimming pool with spectacular colors. This is a must-do for anyone who loves nature like us! Before reaching the historic center (medieval oc), we stopped at the Ponte Cardona, where the exact geographical center of Italy is located (how cool is that?).

Day four.

It's time to change region, so exciting! I am a big fan of Tuscany! It was on my wish list to visit the Val d'Orcia. I had seen pictures of it (#spectacular), but looking out the car window as we reached our destination was indescribable... the rolling hills, the cypress-lined avenues, the vineyards and isolated farmhouses... a postcard! What you feel like doing is wandering around 'on the road', enjoying the magnificent views and the relaxing climate. Gallina is a tiny hamlet of Castiglione d'Orcia, a place that inspires tranquility and simplicity. Upon our arrival, my first desire was to wander aimlessly, breathing in this completely unspoiled atmosphere. As we climbed up to Castiglione d'Orcia, we 'participated' in a festival, attracted by the smell of roasted pork and the wine poured into glasses during the walk. To end the evening, we lay down on the grass to observe the stars, I had never been able to see so many!

Day five.

Opening the window and looking out onto these vast pastel-colored expanses is something indescribable! Today there was so much to see, starting with Bagni di San Filippo, a village famous for its hot thermal waters that create a magical landscape of white limestone formations, waterfalls, and small hot tubs where you can bathe surrounded by the wild nature. In Bagno Vignone, we only made a quick stop, to dedicate the remaining part of the time to visiting two other incredible places. First: San Quirico d'Orcia. Second: Pienza. I was truly fascinated by Pienza, whose historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pienza is located in a breathtaking position, on a hill overlooking the Val d'Orcia. It is a city that is definitely worth a visit, a place where history, culture, and nature blend harmoniously to create an unforgettable experience.

Day six.

I have been to Florence countless times, but I still didn't miss the opportunity to visit it again! Thanks to a couple of friends who hosted us for the night, we were able to enjoy a Florentine evening (yes, even with the famous steak... food place: 'I Brindellone'). I can't help it, Florence never gets old. It's an elegant and charming city, full of history and art. I'm in love with it! So, with this, my adventure through Umbria and Tuscany ended. Each town, each village, each breathtaking landscape unveiled a unique charm, painting a tapestry of experiences that will forever be etched in my memory (so as the culinary delights!!!).

Let's put it this way. As soon as I arrived in Las Vegas, I asked myself, 'What the f**k'! You feel like you've been catapulted into a giant adult amusement park, where the entertainment revolves around casinos, restaurants and bars, shopping malls, themed hotels (and I'm not talking about 'color-themed' hotels, but hotels that imitate the most famous cities in the world) and shows. You constantly feel like overwhelmed by all this sights and sounds, even though it was only for almost 3 days, but i mean, it's JUST Las Vegas!

Day one.

Absurd! You get off the plane and find yourself in a casino airport. Your first thought is... 'what is this chaos?'. But don't worry, it will pass quickly, because there is something much more important to think about... 'will I ever get a taxi?'. Really. Good luck with that. But in the end WE MADE IT, we reached the Luxor, the hotel we chose (honestly, for the super cool structure). Self check-in (QR codes everywhere in the lobby) and a big 'wow' for the spectacular view from our needless to say - luxurious pyramid room. And off to the visit of the themed hotels on "the Strip", but not before taking a gigantic drink, the fat tuesday yard drink (be careful how you compose it)! There are two things you can safely say goodbye to in LV: money (which abandons you with absolute autonomy) and health (sweltering heat outside / freezing cold inside). Anyway, at a certain point we decided to go back and then head to the casino (yes, you can absolutely drink for free if you sit at the tables)... and here my story definitely ends LOL!

Day two.

The second day started with extreme calm and a bright sun. We therefore opted for a morning in the hotel pools. Then we repeated exactly the same 'experience' as the day before: drink - tour of the hotels - casino! I loved that routine!

Day three.

Night of lions, morning of... Well well well. Backpack on our back and direction "Fremont street", the second most famous street in LV. This is a great place to experience the old-school glamour of Las Vegas. It is also a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of the city. "Fremont street" is a popular destination for tourists, but also for locals, and maybe this is the difference with "the strip". It is home to a variety of casinos, restaurants, bars, and shops, but also features a number of unique attractions. We ate our first American pizza here, full of cheese (I liked it a looot). In the afternoon we headed to the airport, ready to return to reality. As the saying goes, 'the game is more fun when it doesn't last long', and in my opinion there is no better proverb to describe Las Vegas.

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OK. Unfortunately, the American adventure ends here. See you soon, USA!

Los Angeles makes me happy. Imagine this scene: a long walk between Santa Monica and Venice Beach, the warm wind in your hair, the smell of tacos being prepared at the stalls, people coming and going, a variety of activities being carried out, and songs on songs resonating in the air. I don't know, all of this makes me happy. Los Angeles could be your home, for many many reasons, you just have to find out which one! In short, for us it was a hit and run (not even 3 days), but we loved it!

Day one.

My American friend and her boyfriend drove us by car from Lodi to LA (so sweet). We left early in the morning, arriving in about 5 hours, without missing the iconic stop at the giant fast food chains at the gas stations (In-n-Out, my new addiction), to reach the air bnb downtown Hollywood!!! Guys, how awesome is this???  We could literally see the famous "Hollywood sign" on the hill from our apartment balcony. So in no time, we reached the most famous street in Hollywood, the "Walk of Fame", and spent over an hour recognizing the names of celebrities on the stars embedded in the avenue. There are so many people that many of the stars end up being 'hidden', but the search itself is fun! The people here are out of the ordinary, I loved this freedom of expression. The shops are extravagant, I found souvenirs of all kinds at a very low price! For dinner, a small Chinese restaurant, then straight to the "Griffith Observatory". We wanted to get there at sunset (have you noticed how it has become normal for me to consider dinner time before sunset?), so when we got stuck in traffic, we had only one solution in mind: abandon the American friends and run! It was definitely worth it (and I know that doesn't make me sound like a nice person).

Day two.

I was looking forward to this day, we had bought the tickets a month in advance, but until I went in, I couldn't believe it... the "Warner Bros Studios"! Half a day wandering around the studios, until I entered the Friends set (just to name one). I couldn't help myself, I took pictures everywhere, I felt like I was literally going crazy with joy! To release some of the accumulated adrenaline, we opted for a long walk in "Santa Monica", until we reached "Venice Beach". This walk was really cool, the road (along the beach) that connects these two places is full of small shops, street artists, the famous "Muscle Beach" gym, good smells (what good smells will come my way today?), music and guys. Chill vibes!

Day three.

Our last day in Los Angeles was spent driving around (in a convertible) in the so-called neighborhood of the rich: "Beverly Hills". "Rodeo Drive" is the most fashionable street, what wonderful houses! Well, I guess we wanted to choose to end our trip to LA in this way, to have the chance to escape after seeing so much, and I mean too much, luxury (depression avoided, yay)!

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Don't miss the final post in the series!

Sometimes you're lucky enough to have friends overseas, and that gives you the chance to live a truly authentic American experience. Lodi is a city in central California, famous for its wine production, but above all, it's one of those cities that makes you feel like you're part of one of those many American TV shows you dreamed of being in.

I tend to be a well-organized person, I like to plan my days, especially when I'm on vacation and I have to visit a new place. But. Making this 'exception' allowed me to spend 5 days without programs, in total relaxation, simply enjoying California life. The family that hosted us made sure that we kept ourselves busy, involving us in their typical summer habits. A boat ride on the Delta, lunch at a Chinese restaurant, a family barbecue in the garden, a walk in the neighborhood, dinner at sunset on a quiet Friday night, a movie on the sofa in a living room with windows overlooking the quite driveway. Did I already mention that Lodi is called the 'wine country'? Well, it is actually full of wineries, some very chic (they are also used as locations for birthdays and events). #Fun fact: the right time to go is 5 p.m. One crazy thing about California is the weather! It's practically impossible to pack a 'seasonal' suitcase. In the same day, I needed: a tank top and shorts, a sweatshirt, a scarf, flip-flops, and socks... insane!!! They say that the best way to get to know a place is to come into contact with its culture, which is manifested in the way of life and the habits (traditions) of its inhabitants. Well, I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly. I felt like a super American, even though I'll never be able to make that melodic sound when I speak... blablabla!

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The American adventure continues... so keep reading!

Once upon a different life.

If I make a goal list and write down a dream country to go to, would you guess the place? California is an eternal spring, a place where the sun always shines and nature is unspoiled.
This is a perfect spot to feel young, wild and free. 8 days spent in San Francisco to experience the different vibes that only this controversial city, made of light and darkness... both incredibly fascinating, can make you feel.

Fun facts:

My bf had business engagements in SF, so we took the plunge for a vacation!

I had good meals on the flight!

The wind is a constant presence in the city! (SO F***N COLD)!

Homelessness is notorious as a problem!

Sparkling water is not to be found!

Ranch turns out to be a godsend!

SF is walkable if you are a climber!

The first weekend:

The very first day was endless. We flew from Naples on friday, early in the morning, and landed in San Francisco on friday afternoon (time zone is sooo fascinating). It has been so easy to reach the city center with the short-distance train system called Bart. And it has been also so fast, so much that I could switch from holding the tickets to eating a sandwich ('Carl's Jr') in no-time! The hotel stay was terrible! It was not at all clean or spacious, extremely expensive, but definitely well-located. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's brother (who was traveling with us) found a rat in the room... I have nothing else to add. Work started the following Monday, so we wanted to make the most of the first two days. Of course, we had to start with a classic American breakfast: pancakes and maple syrup (so yummy). We started our day (Saturday) in "Embarcadero", the port district that is home to the "Ferry Building". If you can, I recommend going when the "Ferry Plaza Farmers Market" is held. After that, we headed to the famous "Chinatown of San Francisco", passing by the "Coit Tower" (just to say hello as we went by... yeah, we are terrible). Anyway, did you know that the first fortune cookies were made in San Francisco? If you love cheesecake, go up to the top floor of Macy's and don't miss the 'Cheesecake Factory'. And since you're here, visit the world-famous square that hosts it: "Union Square" LOL. We did a lot of walking (we tried to rent electric bikes, but it was a bit of a struggle: how do you keep your eye on the GPS on your phone while driving up and down the f***n steep streets of San Francisco?). In the "Financial District", we admired the "Transamerica Pyramid" (it looks like something out of Blade Runner). We didn't spend too much time there, but it was impressive. Next, we headed to "North Beach", the Italian quartier. I was expecting it to be more veracius, but at least the coffee was great! My favourite part of San Francisco, my heart's home, the flagship of the city, was "Fisherman's Wharf". What can you expect from this part of town? Shops, funky bars, restaurants, nightlife, street performers, and more. The atmosphere here is so vibrant that it makes you feel truly alive. We happened to be walking around at an odd time of day (not breakfast, lunch, or dinner) but ended up trying the famous Clam Chowder ('here'), which was so so so delicious! "Ghirardelli Square" is the plaza that houses the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. I really wanted to try some of their chocolates, but the line was too long and I ended up getting them at the supermarket, instead (and i gotta say that sounded like a really smart move, man). The last step was "Lombard Street": I've done some wonderful photos from there which had a breathtaking view (on the Russian Hill). "There is no rest for the wicked" is my mantra. On the second day (Sunday), my step-counter went crazy... from the "Presidio", the national park at the foot of the "Golden Gate Bridge" (I wasn't sure it existed until I got close and actually saw it, it's so incredibly foggy), to "Golden Gate Park", passing through the "Palace of Fine Arts" complex. It was really magical to admire the sunset while walking this long route. On our way back to the city center, we headed to "Alamo Square" to see the famous Painted Ladies, some pretty colorful houses, a must-take photo break! Don't forget to end your day with a California-style steak, with the famous whipped butter and all-styles potatoes (there was a very good 'restaurant' close to my hotel).

The work week:

The Cure sang "Monday you can fall apart", but that didn't happen that Monday. The work event we attended, SMAU trade fair, where selected startups (you won't miss the chance to know Esthar!!!) present Italian innovations, started with a sunset aperitivo. This gave us the chance to explore the city a little more in the morning. Off to "Mission district", one of San Francisco's most of-the-moment neighborhoods, to get a real authentic California-style burrito ('La Taqueria'). First the tears and then the cakes, as the saying goes. The week was packed with commitments, but we were still able to visit the "Silicon Valley" and "Stanford University" (which is absolutely stunning)! I recommend visiting the Silicon Valley only if you have plenty of time, and to do it by car or bus (a round-trip). I can't think of anything else, but to end this post with one more song quote that has been the soundtrack of my days (Agostino you're such a great singer!):

All across the nation
Such a strange vibration
People in motion
There's a whole generation
With a new explanation
People in motion, people in motion...

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There's more to come... stay tuned!

Deep winter is almost here, so what do you do? You book a flight in a cold destination in Estonia. The old town of Tallin was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city as a whole was a European City of Culture in 2011. The fact that there are Christmas markets all nestled amidst a snow-blanketed landscape right out of a fairytale, double the excitement! 3 days (approximatively) is all you need to get a great experience here.

Day one.

I didn't realize how could it be in winter, with snow: not only so magic. I can say that, because i've dragged my suitcase up and down the streets for a countless number of steps. But. The hotel was so nice, even thought it was kind of chilly. Since it was mid-winter and temperatures had sunk to -5º C, i might say i was expecting to be in my room in underware LOL.
We arrived at lunchtime (oh, in this trip it was me and my two cousins/friends), so in no time, check-in done and super covered, we were in the old town of the city, "Vanallin". Traveling to the old town was like traveling back in time.
Most of the attractions are concentrated here, plus lots of coffee-places, pubs, restaurants: the best thing to do is an unhurried wandering - almost all angles are nice! This historical center is enclosed in the beautiful town walls. We started from  the street "Viru Tanav" to reach the famous square "Raekoja Platz" and admire the Tallinn Town Hall "Raekoda" anddd the charming Christmas Markets "Jouluturg", they are ideal to allow oneself a pleasant walk and to savour fanciful delights.
Worthy of special mention is the "Raeapteek", the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has continuously been in business in the same beautiful building since 1422.
In the hours after, we dedicated to visiting the churches of the city ("Puha Vaimu Kogudus" - "Katariina Käik" - "Oleviste Kirik" - "Niguliste Kirik"). We stopped at the viewing platform "Kohtuotsa" for an unforgettable views and pictures... but poor deluded creatures, with all that cold it has been a nightmare just only thinking about doing it, leaving out the dead hands... To warm out, we've made a really cool dinner with sweet and savoury pancakes at the legendary pancake pub 'Kompressor'.

Day two.

Ok,  with the room we also had a breakfast which was included every morning where we enjoyed a varied continental breakfast... but, despite this, we had a second breakfast at one of the oldest cafés in Tallinn, 'Cafe Maiasmokk'. On the premises of the café, you can also  find a marzipan room, where one can learn about marzipan and the history of the café via audioguide, visit the exhibition of marzipan figures, and observe the process of marzipan painting. That was the initial idea, I'm sure (love at first sight does happen even with pastries)! The second day was dedicated to explore the "Toompea Hill", part of the Tallinn Old Town UNESCO World Heritage Site,  that has an impressive view over the city. The history of "Toompea" is complicated, as linked to the history of power in Estonia. Today "Toompea" is the center of the Government of Estonia and of the parliament, the "Riigikogu", located in the Toompea Castle.
Coming down the hill, taking the street "Pikk Tanav", we come across historic buldings, that once housed the guilds, mercants coorporations.
After this tour, we stopped for lunch at 'Nikolay Bar-buffeé',  a comfortable place to rest and eat local "sandwiches" with freash fish. It's not up for debate, you absolutely can't leave without visiting  "Kadrioru loss",  a magnifique Baroque-style palace. It also hosts a museum, the "Kadriorg Art Museum", while my favorite one, the "Kumu", showing Estonian art from the 18th century onwards, is located nearby in the "Kadriorg Park" (it was amazing walking through the park with the snowflakes all over us). For dinner the choice fell on the medieval restaurant 'Olde Hansa' (super cool)! #Anyways we visited the city on foot, as we, well, needless to say, were entranced by the totally unique vibe of the city:  the natural color of the sky, the few hours of light, the white mantle of winter snow... the beauty of the scenery left us breathless.

Day three.

The area around our hotel is called "Rotermann", it is a very nice neighborhood, modern and fashionable: it represent a great example of architectural renovation. #Not so fun fact: we traveled during the period of restrictions due to Covid-19, so actually we had to include a not-so-pleasant visit to one of the malls of the city to do the test... (FYI (just pretend to care) we've made our way back home safe and negative)
After a few endless hours, we walked to the the central market "Keskturg", even though we did not have any plans to have lunch here (ok, the reason why is another best-stocked market LOL), we wanted to go there just for a visit. We then continued our tour to reach  "Telliskivi Loomelinnak", a creative hotspot that is home to a variety of activities. Here you can find shops, bars, restaurants, theatres, and the famous creative companies. They say it's like a city into the city, converted from an old Soviet quarter. I liked this hipster spot full of street art and vintage boutiques. The famous market which I referred earlier is very close from "Telliskivi Loomelinnak". "Balti Jaam Market" is a unique market of 3 floors, it is located right next to Tallinn’s Train Station. We've spent such a long time here, it was absolutley worth it. We spent our afternoon just wandering around the city, in fact to round off our three days in Tallinn, why not stop for a large cup of warm hot chocolate in the centre and enjoy the lovely atmosphere as night falls?
And we bought a few souvenirs, of course. Finally, if you're hungry (last day is always all about food, i mean, do not judge me), there's always a burger place, that's what it's called...
'Hesburger' was also so nearby the hotel, irresistible! After that, we headed to the hotel, since, for the next day, we've booked a flight early in the morning... (we crazies) but, before that, we stopped to take one last look at the city. Tallinn under the snow is something of unique: it's like the component that leaves an impression in the minds and hearts of the people who come into contact with the city in wintertime.

I needed it. I really needed it. So i planned it (along with a new friend of mine: holaaa Antonio). Anyway. Visit Barcelona was a beautiful discovery and a nice surprise. We only had a few days available (yeah, come on  3 whole days are definitely not enough). But, i think, we got the best of it.

Day one.

Actually we arrived in Barcelona during the night, so this has been a 'full day'. We booked a lovely apartment (for 4), very well located, near "Sagrada Familia" and only couple of minutes from next metro station. Our first stop was the "Sagrada Familia", did you know that work on the "Sagrada Familia" began in 1882 and hasn't finished yet? We booked ahead (after some feedback, we decided that we would buy the tickets without any combinations), downloaded our tickets and everything went really smoothly. I gotta say: it is magnificent. The area around the basilica is full of fast foods and cheaper options for lunch and dinner. We had a break, obviously, after the visit (total duration of about two hours). In the afternoon we walked along the magnificent complex of the "Sant Pau recinte modernista", i mean, as we strolled, we admired the building's lovely exteriors: domes, roofs, façades, sculptures and stained-glass windows are the most outstanding elements. Then we went to "Parc Guell", that represents the reflection of Gaudí's artistic plenitude; naturally, even in this case it's important to book the tickets in time (yeah, there's a ticket to get into the park). We have been chillin around "La Rambla" at dinner time, choosing one of the best tourist destinations for the 'tapas'.

Day two.

We spent this day exploring the old town of Barcelona. There is one thing I noticed about Barcelona: there is always something to admire here. So, the advice is to walk around because the city is very full of places that want to be discovered.
From where we stayed, we could walk to most parts around town.
We started from the "Sagrada Familia", we went through the "Arc de Triomf" ( it is located at the beginning of a pedestrian boulevard) and, after taking a walk on that avenue, we ended up in the old town. The old town is where the beautiful "Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya" and the "Palau de la Música Catalana" can be found.
Another outstanding monument in the Old City is the "Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia". A little traditional outdoor market is held in "Plaça del Pi" (I've bought a few souvenirs: Jamón ibérico for my amazing fam'). You should all be so crazy as us and decide to climb a mountain: "Montjuïc". Why? I don't know.
Just kiddin'. This fantastic hill is full of attractions and historical heritage and will amaze you with excellent landscapes.
Why didn't we take the funicular railway? I don't know.
This madness has allowed us to do an aperitif on the stands of the "piscina municipal de Montjuïc",  with a breathtaking view of the entire city. Paella and sangria for dinner, of course.

Day three.

Today's program was mixed with so many things, you know.
We reached the "Rambla" (by foot, for a change), a very crowded and long street.
"Casa Milà" (also known as "Casa Pedrera") was our choice. It was relatively cheap and actually, no line at all.
You can explore the house on your own while listening to the audioguide: let me say, I really enjoyed the tour, it was very informative and well worth a thorough browsing.
"Casa Battlò" is very close, 5 min walk ish.
"Mercat de la Boqueria" has been the next step. For us, eating is not just a way to satisfy appetite, but also an opportunity to rediscover territory and identity (ah-ah-ah). With our stomach full our afternoon continued in the name of art and culture: we walked the "Rambla" from "Palau Güell" until we get to the "Mirador de Colom".
In addition, just to make us not miss anything, we took a pleasant walk along the coast: "Port Olimpic", "Port Vell", "Rambla de Mar" and "Barceloneta" were the stops... kind of romantic, i would say. To round off the day what's better than a good dish in a comfortable restaurant and a cozy atmosphere?
Five guys, FIVE GUYS (one of the best fast food chain in the world and a 'must' to try for me).

Day four.

I know. This chapter is not inserted in the table of contents. But.
Fun fact: our plane (taken in late morning of the fourth day) were forced to land to another city in Italy due to adverse weather conditions encountered during the trip.
I was so upset, my family was waiting for us for a 'pizza n' fam' night.. doh!
But i guess our own safety  should come first...
In any case, the company provided buses to arrive at our destination airport. This experience has represented the fading of "holidays" , something that has gifted us with a last unforgettable moment.

This summer my boyfriend and I decided to spend our first vacation together exploring this marvelous island. 10 days driving around the beautiful west coast of Sicily.

Day one.

Departure from the port of Naples (boarding a car loaded with excitement more than bags), landing in Palermo too early in the morning. So. First things first. A huge breakfast with the most famous desserts: the 'cannolo' and the 'cassata', accompanied by a cappuccino (with extra coffee, 'cause my boyfriend is addicted to it). With a full belly everything works better: picked the right playlist (Rango compilation), we headed to Custonaci (TP). On our way to the house (Airbnb: Loft Rustico), we made a stop at Mondello beach, then at 'Sferracavallo' and finally at 'Isola delle femmine' ...hence... in the afternoon... we were lying on the bed, enjoying the air conditioning. We went out for dinner in a typical restaurant highly recommended by the landlady ('Ci vediamo da Mario') where we tasted the local specialties (the eggplants, oh myyy) and again the desserts with ricotta (do you know how many types of desserts you can make with ricotta cheese?)

Day two.

Ok. I must admit. Day 2 was a lazy day. But laziness is a state of mind all over the country ("la dolce vita"). However, the beach was very close (Cornino beach) and we were lucky enough to find a parking space (the hourly rate is ridiculously cheap). After a couple of hours (more or less as much as I can handle: sun issues) we went home to get ready for one of my favorite parts of the trip: the natural reserve 'Saline di Trapani e Paceco'. I chosen a scenic outfit for the occasion, the best time to enjoy the colorful, the splendor, the ... blablabla, the best time to take pictures is the sunset (#honest). At dinner time, we headed to Trapani city. Trapani was a pleasant surprise. In a square there was a gastronomic event where we ate three different types of pasta in one dish and 2 giant arancine. We enjoyed a delicious drink in a lounge bar overlooking the sea with a panoramic view.

Day three.

This has been a busy day for us, guys. Morning: we stopped in an enchanting, wild place: the whole environment with crystal clear and uncrowded sea was breathtaking (Macari beach). Afternoon: the famous 'Riserva dello Zingaro', one of the most admired natural pearls in Sicily. It is a route of seven kilometers, from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, with many stages: Cala Tonnarella dell'Uzzo, Cala Marinella, Cala Berretta, Cala della Disa, Cala del Varo and Cala Capreria, there are many routes and they’re all full of surprises. All we did was walk and dive and dive and walk. At the end of the day we were devasteted but dinner and there we are, rum from a discount and a movie, so nerdy ... and awesome!

Day four.

Our plan was to spend our afternoon in Erice so we decided to stay in that area until then. We had our first "brioche col tuppo" filled with ice cream (all of these adventures needed a good refill, of course). Erice is a beautiful village, rich in traditions and stories of other times: you can breathe all this while walking through its streets.

Day five.

Wonderful beach and fantastic panorama, social life and shopping: where did we go? San Vito Lo Capo, of course. Make sure you pack sunscreen and a large beach towel because one of the hottest things to do here is lie in the sun and relax. The sand is white and very fine, while the clear water of the sea is tinged with different shades depending on the position of the sun, from blue to green to deep blue. We went around town and ended up having the "Sicilian granita" (I think we have a winner hereee).

Day six.

We woke up early, destination 'Castellammare del Golfo'. Castellammare del Golfo should be on your list. Allowing a day in Castellammare del Golfo turned out to be perfect as it let us see this modest town on the north coast between Trapani and Palermo. There is no doubt that the main attraction of Castellammare del Golfo is the old port area. The tourist port, full of fishing boats and yachts, is the heart and soul of the town. The most popular beach is Playa Playa with a real promenade flanked by restaurants and bars. Around sunset we headed to the 'Tempio di Segesta', a very characteristic place (photo below)!

Day seven.

Scopello, pebble beach and a fascinating cliff, from where you can admire a panorama or take a dip in the turquoise waters of the small bay. Curiosity: we found a mini golf course...

Day eight.

Agenda for: relaxation. And for this occasion we have chosen to go once again to San Vito Lo Capo (not just for the granita, believe me). We had one last dinner to enjoy all the delicous food (again and again and again).

Day nine.

Visit of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, one of the richest cities of the island in terms of history and art. We also stocked up on arancine, cassate and cannoli (where? At the oldest and famous rotisserie shop in Palermo: 'Antica focacceria S. Francesco') , there's also the chance to purchase the best souvenirs,  those which can be savoured with relish back home (if they get there...)